2015 bmw 7-series Model Overview

Overall Rating:

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4 of 5

New for 2015

The 2015 BMW 7 Series adds a 740Ld xDrive model, a diesel-powered sedan only offered with a long wheelbase and all-wheel drive. All variants gain standard Bluetooth hands-free and USB audio connection, and BMW Online and BMW Apps. 750 models gain a standard leather dashboard, full LED headlights and automatic high beams. Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration are now a $500 standalone option. The price of Night Vision has been dropped to $2,300 from $2,600. New optional 19-inch wheels are added to the 740 models and Alpina B7 variants however the set for the latter comes with all-season tires, which lowers the car’s maximum speed to 130 mph.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan available in rear- or all-wheel-drive and in short- or long-wheelbase variants. It is also available as a diesel, hybrid, and high-performance Alpina B7 model.

Overview

The 2015 BMW 7 Series sedan’s six engine options are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission

All engines provide excellent acceleration for passing and merging maneuvers, particularly the two V-8s and V-12, which put straight-line performance on par with high-performance sports cars. Driving dynamics are also a strong point in all 7 Series variants with the handling that belies that car’s size and exterior dimensions, making it engaging to drive. Additionally, refinement remains excellent, with little NVH and a comfortable ride that makes the car ideal for long-distance driving even with its performance-spec tires. However, its suspension, while tuned well, isn’t up to the task of aggressive driving through twisty roads, with the car’s rear moving around too much when the driver throws it around corners quickly.

Interior refinement is impeccable in the 2015 7 Series, with low levels of exterior noise and road imperfections entering the cabin. Space for passengers is generous up front and in the rear in both regular and long wheelbase models. Additionally, the available multi-contour front seats have a plethora of adjustments that allows drivers to find an ideal position. The front seats, however, are not meant ideal for spirited drives through canyon roads since they don’t have enough support to keep the driver in place due to the flat seat bottoms.

The available Driver Assistance Plus package adds blind spot warning, side and top view cameras, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and the Active Driving Assistant, a host of safety aids that includes lane departure warning and automatic front emergency braking. The features included in the Driver Assistance Plus package are standard in the 760Li except for adaptive cruise control. Adding the standalone adaptive cruise control option also adds the Active Driving Assistant.

What We Think

Despite its age, the 2015 BMW 7 Series remains an excellent full-size luxury sedan with a spacious cabin, high levels of refinement, and engaging driving dynamics. In a comparison test among seven entry-level full-size luxury sedans, the 740 won because of its generous interior space, comfortable seats, impressive technology and excellent powertrain.

Additionally, we noted in a 2010 First Test of a 760Li that even with the car’s handling prowess, it doesn’t sacrifice refinement with “NVH that is nearly nonexistent” despite the car being equipped with run-flat performance tires. Technology is also impressive with a large screen, an updated iDrive infotainment system with controls that are easier to use, and an available 16-speaker sound system from Bang & Olufsen. Where the car falls short of its performance heritage is in the chassis — we noted in a 2013 First Test review that the air suspension can’t keep up with spirited driving, causing the rear end to move around too much. Furthermore, the front seats have a flat bottom that causes the driver to slide everywhere when cornering briskly.

You’ll Like

Strong engines

Excellent handling for a car its size

Refined ride and cabin

You Won’t Like

Seats aren’t ideal for spirited drives through twisty roads

Available air suspension can’t keep up with spirited driving

Key Competitors

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Audi A8

Lexus LS

Jaguar XJ

Maserati Quattroporte

Rating

2015 BMW 7-Series Pricing

Fair Market Price - New Carwhat is this?

$69,428

New Car is the price a consumer can reasonably expect to pay for a new vehicle at a dealership at the end of negotiations, and includes destination charges, taxes and fees. The actual transaction price will be dependent on innumerable variables, from the dealer's inventory to the buyer's bargaining skills, so this figure is an approximation.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$74,000

Estimated Monthly Payment to Own New

$1,250 /month

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$58,075

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

2015 BMW 7-Series Pricing

Fair Market Price

what does this mean?

$69,428

New Car is the price a consumer can reasonably expect to pay for a new vehicle at a dealership at the end of negotiations, and includes destination charges, taxes and fees. The actual transaction price will be dependent on innumerable variables, from the dealer's inventory to the buyer's bargaining skills, so this figure is an approximation.

2015 BMW 7-Series News and Reviews

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